WBCL hosts Columbus ship building night

First we had a little discussion of who Columbus was and when he sailed his ships to discover America. Then the fun began. Using Styrofoam packing materials saved from various purchases shipped to the library over the last year, I cut the bases and captain's bridge at home to decrease the mess and chances of knife cuts at the class. I haven't cut myself yet but sharp blades and kids do not mix at the ages that attend these sessions. 

Everyone also received pre-printed sails to cut out and fix onto the craft stick masts. Most of the boats got a wrapping of brown paper to simulate wood. Some got cannons and other attachments including oars. The last step was to add the Spanish cross to the sails or some other detail. One of them transformed into a pirate ship at this point!

The most fun part of the whole project is that the ships will float and many may make it to the pond or the creeks for a tryout in the next week or so. Watch for them!

The Family Arts & Crafts group meets at the Wells Branch Community Library every Wednesday night at 6 pm taught by Dianne Koehler. The program lets us turn donated or recyclable materials and imagination into great projects.

You may also want to take a look at the new Art & crafts database the library recently subscribed to for the patrons. check  the library website for details.